'Top Gun' fame actor Val Kilmer passes away at 65

'Top Gun' fame actor Val Kilmer passes away at 65

Val Kilmer, the well-known Hollywood actor recognized for his performances in 'Batman Forever' and 'Top Gun,' has passed at the age of 65.

According to a report by The New York Times, Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, shared that the cause of death was pneumonia.

Kilmer had been struggling with throat cancer for many years. He was first diagnosed in 2014, and although he underwent treatment and recovered, his health remained fragile. His battle with the disease was documented in 'Val,' a documentary about his life that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in July 2021. The film revealed that Kilmer required a breathing tube due to his condition.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kilmer grew up in Chatsworth and attended Hollywood Professional School before studying at the Juilliard School. His acting career began on stage, where he performed in The Slab Boys alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon. He later made his television debut in 'One Too Many,' a special that also featured Michelle Pfeiffer.

Kilmer rose to fame in the 1980s with films like 'Top Gun,' where he played the skilled and competitive pilot Tom "Iceman" Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise. He continued to make a name for himself with roles in Real Genius, Tombstone, Heat, The Saint, and The Doors, where he portrayed rock legend Jim Morrison.

In 1995, he took on the iconic role of Bruce Wayne in 'Batman Forever,' replacing Michael Keaton. However, his portrayal of Batman received mixed reactions, and he did not return for the sequel, which starred George Clooney. Despite this, he remained a respected figure in Hollywood, known for his dedication to his craft.

In later years, Kilmer faced increasing health struggles, which affected his ability to speak. However, he made a brief yet impactful return to one of his most famous roles in Top Gun: Maverick (2021), where he reprised his character, Iceman, despite his condition.

Kilmer was married to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met while working on 'Willow' (1988). Their marriage ended in divorce, but they had two children together, Mercedes and Jack. Kilmer spent much of his later life on a ranch near Santa Fe.

Beyond acting, Kilmer also received recognition in other artistic fields. In 2012, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for his audio production of 'Zorro.' In 2020, he published his memoir, 'I’m Your Huckleberry,' a title inspired by one of his famous lines from Tombstone.

His passing marks the loss of a Hollywood talent who left a lasting impact on the film industry. His contributions to cinema will continue to be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.